A child knew her mother would be terribly upset when she made the agonizingly difficult decision to end her misery. But before leaving, the mother and daughter experienced a memorable moment that will live on in their memories forever.
Moments of utter astonishment, surprise, joy, and grief occur frequently throughout life. Pain and sadness are thought to alter individuals in the most unexpected ways. Nothing lasts forever, yet even after someone we love has passed away, their absence leaves a vacuum in our lives.
The least we can do is treasure our most memorable memories for the rest of our life even though we can’t stop time from passing. The tale we’re telling you today revolves around a related subject.
Jen and Jerika Bolen. | Source: Facebook.com/usatoday
A JOYFUL YOUNG GIRLS
Jen Bolen and her daughter Jerika Bolen resided in Appleton, Wisconsin. Her favorite band was “My Chemical Romance” and she liked to watch YouTube stars. She enjoyed visiting malls, had purple hair, and wore green lipstick. She has a lot of memes and beauty tips on her Facebook account.
Jen, however, came to a heartbreaking revelation not long after prom.
Jerika enjoyed being with her girlfriend as well as time with her mother. Jen claims that even though her daughter frequently smiled for the camera and in public, only she knew the true meaning of the grin.
A PAINFUL DIAGNOSIS
At eight months old, Jerika was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2, an incurable disease for which she used a wheelchair. Her brain functioned normally, but everyday movements like breathing and swallowing brought her excruciating pain.
She could talk but had never walked and only had movement in her head and hands. When Jerika turned eight, her pain became highly unbearable. Despite numerous surgeries to ease muscle control and movement, her pain was at 7 or 8 on a 10 scale on most days.
There were times when the pain went as high as 9 or 10. Jen shared that her daughter continued to undergo different procedures, but none of them alleviated her suffering. When Jerika was five, Jen started nursing school for financial reasons and to better care for her little girl.
A HEART-RENDING DECISION
For a long time, Jerika said she stayed strong and kept fighting for her loved ones, particularly her mother. But over the ensuing years, her pain only worsened, and after her 38th surgery, Jerika decided she had endured enough.
In June 2016, the then-14-year-old Jerika shared the news with her mother with her counselor’s help. After hearing that her young girl wanted to go off life support, Jen’s world was turned upside down. Still, she told her daughter:
A BRAVE TEENAGER
Jen and Jerika’s family and friends had seen her fight bravely. Her grandmother, Sue Bolen, expressed:
“She’s a very unselfish little girl and she’s tougher than anyone I’ve ever known.”
THE LAST DANCE
Eventually, Jerika transitioned to hospice, and her pain became harder to manage. Like most youngsters her age, she had always longed to attend high school prom. Little did she know that her heartfelt dream would come true in the most remarkable way.
To fulfill her baby girl’s dream, Jen set up a GoFundMe fundraiser and planned Jerika’s prom, titled “J’s Last Dance.” On July 22, 2016, Jerika felt like a real-life prom queen in her gorgeous emerald dress and tiara, surrounded by family and friends at the Grand Meridian ballroom in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Her favorite YouTuber, Richie Giese, also made a special appearance. The mother-daughter duo shared a touching last dance to make the night memorable. “I got to dance. I got to meet my idol,” expressed Jerika.
THE HARDEST GOODBYE
When Jerika’s prom night story went viral, she garnered love and appreciation from people worldwide. But soon after prom, Jen had a soul-crushing realization. She recounted:
“Now that prom is over, I know that the time is getting closer. That’s the only way I’m going to be able to move on with my life — knowing that I’m letting her out of this suffering.”
A HEARTFELT MESSAGE
Before leaving, the Appleton teenager left tokens of love for her family and friends, including stuffed bears with touching notes. The one for her mother said:
“Hi, Mom, I love you. I miss you, but I am out of pain and I am doing backflips now — and you better RUN!”
DANCING IN THE HEAVENS
Three weeks after her daughter’s death, Jen revealed that she had a beautiful dream where Jerika was in a wheelchair, and she followed her. After some time, she said her baby girl got up, took a few steps, and began twirling with a smiling face.
When Jen woke up, she said she felt contented to know that her young girl was okay and free of all pain and suffering. Indeed, losing a loved one is not easy, and the pain of saying goodbye to your child can take an emotional toll on parents.
Our heart goes out to Jen and her entire family, and we are sure that young Jerika is dancing and smiling at her mom and all of us from the heavens.